The Chronicle

Last chance for special art gifts

- AROUND THE GALLERIES SANDY POTTINGER

CHRISTMAS Day looms happily, the finale of a hectic weekend of preparatio­n.

But what about that last minute gift?

Panic not, creative solutions are at hand even catering to that unexpected guest somebody else invited!

Met Galleries on the Village Green at the Chocolate Cottage complex in Highfields have exquisite silver jewellery and filmy hand-dyed silk scarves.

They have small scale paintings and sculptures, ceramic dishes, platters, and boxes, as well as tall, elegant vessels decorated with landscape themes.

There are large dramatic paintings and still life subjects painted on silk.

Enchanting figurative sculptures, table lamps, and cushions add variety and colour.

Rugged, solidly built outdoor furniture offer timber thrones to curl up in, while a whimsical wheel barrow with fretwork flowers begs for a place in the garden.

The gallery offers a trove of traditiona­l and unexpected treasures.

They will be open over the weekend.

The Darling Downs Potters’ Club at 145 West St is holding its popular “Back Door Sale” where a variety of handmade goodies at reasonable prices caters to all budgets and can accommodat­e that last minute gift.

There is something special about giving an object crafted with skill by an artist.

Today is your last opportunit­y to nip in and find a bargain whether it’s a ceramic platter for entertaini­ng, a set of mugs, bowls, decorative vases, ceramic plaques, or small, cheeky animals to make the perfect pet.

The Lockyer Valley Art Gallery in Gatton is holding the exhibition, “Nothing Comes from Nothing”, a selection of work by members of the Lockyer Art Society.

This cohort of artists from diverse background­s, locations, and countries is linked by shared interests.

At their regular meetings they enjoy experiment­ing with new techniques, exploring perception­s of imagery, discussing their work, and thoroughly enjoying themselves.

The title of the exhibition is a salute to a theory associated with early Greek cosmology and first agued by Parmenides (c. 515-450 BCE) It pursues the notion that we gain nothing if we invest nothing.

The exhibition clearly shows how the investment of interest, energy, and curiosity can produce a wealth of colourful ideas as well as suggesting future directions and discoverie­s.

Particular­ly fascinatin­g is Donna Clissold’s 50 Drawings

in 50 Days, a series of pen and ink drawings marking a milestone birthday.

These small, often domestic studies have spontaneou­s charm and a sense of immediacy. Margaret Klumpp’s boldly confident flower paintings, the delightful wildlife watercolou­rs by Coralie Grant, still life works by Carol Fletcher, landscapes by Deborah Sloan, and the almost photoreali­st McIntyre

River Bridge by Val Merrick add interest and variety.

The flow paintings on synthetic YUPO paper by Coralie Grant and Deborah Sloan add a vibrant pop of colour while Flight, a pastel by EIS captures the beat of wings.

 ?? PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTE­D ?? BEAUTIFUL: McIntyre River Bridge by Val Merrick at the Lockyer Valley Art Gallery.
PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTE­D BEAUTIFUL: McIntyre River Bridge by Val Merrick at the Lockyer Valley Art Gallery.
 ??  ?? Kaleidosco­pe by Margaret Klumpp at the Lockyer Valley Art Gallery.
Kaleidosco­pe by Margaret Klumpp at the Lockyer Valley Art Gallery.
 ??  ?? Detail50 Drawings in 50 Days, by Donna Clissolds at the Lockyer Valley Art Gallery.
Detail50 Drawings in 50 Days, by Donna Clissolds at the Lockyer Valley Art Gallery.
 ??  ?? Met Galleries on the Village Green at Highfields.
Met Galleries on the Village Green at Highfields.
 ??  ?? The Back Door Sale at The Darling Downs Potters Club.
The Back Door Sale at The Darling Downs Potters Club.
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